USA claim Plate in London

For Immediate ReleaseMay 13, 2012USA Women take Plate in London IRB Women’s Challenge Cup• USA beat Russia 22-7 to win the Plate• Four new caps for the USA in London• Eagles build for the Amsterdam Sevens next weekend (May 18-19)

LONDON -- The USA Women’s Eagle Sevens team produced two excellent wins on day two to take the Plate in the London IRB Women’s Challenge Cup, an emerging global women’s sevens competition.

The USA got a second crack at the two teams that bested them on day one: Australia and France. A 0-17 loss to Australia to open the second day motivated the Eagles to win a 19-17 back and forth thriller against France and to beat Russia 22-7 to win the Plate.

Bui Baravilala and Vanesha McGee were outstanding all weekend and were dangerous whenever they touched the ball. Kelly Griffin stood out as well and is getting her international scoring on pace with her domestic record, which is stunning.

Baravilala scored the game-tying try against France in the Plate Semifinal and kicked the winning conversion to help her team advance to the Final.

Jillion Potter was a physical presence with ball in hand and in defense. Photo credit: Ian Muir

Jillion Potter was a physical dynamo for the USA and was punishing in the contract area with ball in hand as well as defense.

Although they didn’t make it to the Cup Final, Ric Suggitt has to be pleased with his young team’s effort in London. His squad not only showed great toughness coming back from two tough losses on day one, but the youngsters came up big. Suggitt knows exactly what he has in terms of young talent having given some of the younger players experience playing the best in the world.

Four players were capped in London, Meya Bizer, Bui Baravilala, Ashley Okonta, and Erica Cavanaugh, a testament to the youth of the side.

Suggitt is certainly putting the pieces together for a fantastic team and will always have an eye on the Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens next year as well as the 2016 Olympics.

The strong finish will help the Eagles build towards the Amsterdam Sevens next week from May 19-20.